The Shark Blog

With just 1 week
remaining in the regular season, we're running out of opportunities to cash in
on daily NHL action.This weekend is
another busy one, featuring 8 games on Friday, 12 on Saturday, and another 6 on
Sunday.Plenty of chances to win some
cash.Here's what you need to know in
advance:

Who's Hot

Penguins.If you've watched any hockey this month, I
don't need to tell you.Anything from
Pittsburgh has value, so go to town.

Drew Stafford (BUF)

Stafford has been a
machine, totaling up 14 points in 8 games, including 4 goals in his last 3
games.He's still averaging just 17
minutes a game.If the line of Stafford,
Ennis, and Foligno continue to light it up, they should see increased minutes
over the final week of play.

Alex Ovechkin (WAS)

The Capitals have
just 4 games remaining to overtake the Sabres and avoid a humiliating playoff
miss.Ovechkin is doing everything in
his power to make that happen.Despite a
below-average season, the last couple of weeks have been solid, with 9 points
in his last 6 games.He rattled of 7
goals over a 5 game span in mid-March.

Danny Briere (PHI)

With so many
offensive weapons in Philadelphia, playing time can be hard to come by.Even for a $7million dollar man like Briere,
who logged just 14 minutes of ice on Thursday.Despite the limited opportunity, he added 4 assists to his season
total.That gives him 7 points in 3
games this past week.

Michael Ryder (DAL)

Ryder continue to be
a steal for the Stars.He popped in 5
more goals in the last 5 games, raising his season total to 35 and counting.

Zdeno Chara (D-BOS)

Yes, the Norris
trophy is probably being etched already with the name of some youngster in
Ottawa, but Chara is making a strong case for bridesmaid lately.He has run up 9 points in his last 9 games
for the Bruins.

Ryan Miller (G-BUF)

If the Vezina trophy
were awarded on the 2nd half results alone, Miller may have been a lock for the
award.The dismal start to the season is
a distant memory, as he had led the Sabres on a dramatic resurgence since the
calendar turned.His has won his last 5
starts, and has allowed just 3 goals in the last 4 games.He has lost just 1 game in regulation since
Valentine's Day.

Who's Cold

Ryan Kesler (VAN)

Over the last
several seasons, Kesler has been one of the most complete fantasy options on
offense.The last couple of weeks have
told a different story.Zero points in
his last 7 games.And that is despite
seeing about 22 minutes of ice per night.He has just a lousy 2 PIMS over the last 9 contests as well, giving
fantasy owner no reason to insert his name into a lineup these days.

Alex Burrows (VAN)

Like Kesler, it has
been 7 games since the name "Burrows" appear in the points column for
Vancouver.At least he's managed to sit
in the penalty box on a regular basis, accumulating 24 PIMS over this draught.

Ryan O'Reilly (COL)

O'Reilly was having
himself a nice little season through the end of February.His 50 points at that point were by far a
career best.However, over the last 15
games, he's managed a mere 5 points for the Avs.He has just 1 goal in the last 11 games.

Patrick Marleau (SJ)

Despite playing on
what should be a potent line with Thornton and Pavelski, Marleau has gone 3
straight games without a point now for San Jose.He'll have to get it going soon if the Sharks
are to squeek into the last playoff spot.

Logan Couture (SJ)

The other top line
in San Jose hasn't fared much better, with Couture being the most disappointing
piece.2 points in 5 games and no goals
in 9 for the All-Star center.

Olli Jokinen (CGY)

To the surprise of
nobody, the crazy hot streak that Jokinen went on mid-season is now a distant
memory.He has just 1 point in the last
9 games and hasn't been a plus player once during this painful stretch.

Who's Hurt

Derek Roy (BUF) - likely to
play Friday (flu)

Ray Emery (G-CHI) - available
for action (upper body)

Tomas Kaberle (D-MON) - out
indefinitely

Kimmo Timonen (D-PHI) -
missed Thursday's game (upper body)

Radim Vrbata (PHO) - returned
Thursday and scored twice

Kris Letang (PIT) - missed
Thursday's game (lower body)

Daniel Sedin (VAN) -
concussion

Value Picks of the Week

Here are some guys
currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

Josh Bailey (NYI) - $4,500

Apparently, Bailey
has something against Penguins.Back to
back contests against Pittsburgh netted a whopping 8 points for the low cost
center.He has a 6 game point streak going
right now for the Isles.You can't even
buy a decent defenseman at this price.

Frans Nielsen (NYI) - $5,300

Nielsen has enjoyed
similar success on the line with Bailey.He has 4 goals and 9 points in his last 6 games for New York.

Brian Rolston (BOS) - $5,200

A few yawns were
released when the Bruins acquired the veteran at the trade deadline from New
York.After all, he had just 8 points at
the time and was toiling on the 4th line for one of the worst teams in the
league.Lately, Rolston is looking like
his younger self and is getting some attention in Boston.He has amassed 12 points over the last 8
games for the Bruins.

Benoit Pouliot (BOS) - $5,300

Some of that
underdog magic has rubbed off on Pouliot as well in Beantown.Since returning from injury on March 15,
Pouliot has put together a run of 9 points in 8 games.

Nikita Nikitin (D-COB) - $4,400

The Jackets don't
get much love in fantasy circles, so we have to point it out when it's
due.The sophomore defenseman is quietly
putting up points for Columbus lately.He has 6 points in his last 6 games.